NAGALAND

CAPITAL-KOHIMA

LIST OF CHEIF MINISTERS OF NAGALAND

#	NAME	TOOK OFFICE	LEFT OFFICE	PARTY
01	P. Shilu Ao	01 December 1963	14 August 1966	Naga Nationalist Organisation
02	T.N. Angami	14 August 1966	22 February 1969	Naga Nationalist Organisation
03	Hokishe Seme	22 February 1969	26 Feberuary 1974	Naga Nationalist Organisation
04	Vizol Seme	26 Feberuary 1974	10 March 1975	United Democratic Front
05	John Bosco Jasokie	10 March 1975	20 March 1975	Naga National Democratic Party
	President's Rule	20 March 1975	25 November 1977
06	Vizol Seme [2]	25 November 1977	18 April 1980	United Democratic Front
07	S.C. Jamir	18 April 1980	05 June 1980	United Democratic Front-Progressive
08	John Bosco Jasokie [2]	05 June 1980	18 November 1982	Naga National Democratic Party
09	S.C. Jamir [2]	18 November 1982	28 October 1986	United Democratic Front-Progressive
10	Hokishe Seme [2]	29 October 1986	07 August 1988	Indian National Congress
	President's Rule	07 August 1988	25 January 1989
11	S.C. Jamir [3]	25 January 1989	10 May 1990	Indian National Congress
12	K.L. Chishi	16 May 1990	19 June 1990	Indian National Congress
13	Vamuzo Phesao	19 June 1990	02 April 1992	Nagaland People's Council
	President's Rule	02 April 1992	22 February 1993
14	S.C. Jamir [4]	22 February 1993	06 March 2003	Indian National Congress
15	Neiphiu Rio	06 March 2003	03 January 2008	Nagaland People's Front
	President's Rule	03 January 2008	12 March 2008
16	Neiphiu Rio [2]	12 March 2008	Present	Nagaland People's Front

ELECTED POLITICAL OFFICIALS OF NAGALAND

Lok Sabha members of Nagaland

#	CONSTITUENCY	NAME OF MEMBERS	PARTY
01	Nagaland	Chang,Shri Chongshen Mongkosungkum	NPF

Rajya Sabha members of Nagaland

#	NAME OF MEMBERS	PARTY
01	T.R. Zeliang	Nagaland People's Front

OCCUPATION

Cultivation on terraced fields, and in some cases Jhum or the shifting system of cultivation, is followed by the people of Nagaland in India. Rice is the important foodgrain. The process of industrialisation of the state is still in its childhood, but the requirement for more industries has been recognised. There are several plans on the anvil to increase industrial investment in the State.

FOOD

FOOD

IMPORTANT PLACE

Kachari Ruins-

Dimapur is the ancient capital of the Kachari tribe, whose rule existed before the 13th century AD. Reminiscences of the glory of this kingdom can be found on the ruins that are scattered in and around the town. Contains monoliths, ruins of temples, embankments and baths.

Diezephe Crafi Village-

Located 13 km from Dimapur, Diezephe Craft Village houses expert weavers and craftsmen, deft in the arts of woodcarving, bamboo and cane works. Under the guidance of the Nagaland handloom and handicrafts Development Corporation Limited, this village has taken significant strides in these crafts, in the recent times.

Dimapur-

The ancient capital of 13th century Kachari rulers, Dimapur in Nagaland is an important commercial town of Nagaland in extreme North East India. Dimapur is an axis around which the economic and developmental activities of the district are centered. Dimapur is in Nagaland, north east India. Dimapur contains other ruins of temples, embankments and baths. The District draws its name from the Kachari dialect; DI - meaning river, MA - meaning great or big, and PUR - meaning city, together connoting The city near the Great River.

Dimapur Green Park-

Green Park is a nice place to hang out with beautiful lakes around. As its name aplly implies it is full of Greenery. This park is located within the state Horticulture Nursery. A resturant, resting shades and boating facilities inside the park provides you every opportunity to relax and enjoy.

Kohima-

Kohima, the capital town of Nagaland in the north eastern part of India is a picturesque town, situated amidst lush green wealth of the nature. Kohima in Nagaland, a typical Naga town is a pretty hill station, with panoramic views of the rugged Naga hills, displaying the exotic tribal culture of the northeast. The home of the brave and daring, yet simple and innocent, Naga tribes, Kohima Nagaland is unspoilt and replete with some attractive sites to see and do.

Kohima Museum is some rare Naga artifacts. The sixteen tribal groups that make up the tribes of Nagaland are represented amongst the others. The clan motifs, colorful traditional dresses, dialect, practices and traditions are displayed at the museum. The Kohima Museum was set up with an aim to provide the visitors a glimpse of the diverse tribal habitats and cultures.

Kohima War Cemetery on Garrison Hill. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth Graves Commission. This war cemetery dedicated to the 10,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives during the Japanese invasion during the World War-II. The Battle of Kohima had lasted for nearly three months and these brave hearts fighting for the Allied forces. The cemetery has been beautifully decorated with lush green carpet grass and is meticulously maintained.

Kohima Zoo is located in Kohima, Nagaland. Here you can see the rare Tragopan bird, which is alo the state bird of Nagaland. And the Mithun, the state animal. The state bird is a rare species and can be seen at the Kohima Zoo as can be the state animal. The Kohima Zoo is created on a hill. Other than the main attractions, it is also possible to find a variety of animals and birds within the zoo.

The Nagaland State Museum-

The State Museum in Kohima exhibits a rare collection of articles of different tribes which portrays to the history and traditions of the Nagas. The Nagaland State Museum, about 1½ km north, is an invaluable treasure trove where one can get a glimpse into Naga culture through history. Here one can find panorama of each tribe being displayed. The Naga architecture, social hierarchy and custom, costun\me and culture are all displayed in this State Museum. The main items exhibited are gateposts, statues, pillars, jewelry, and a ceremonial drum that looks like a dug-out war vessel in a separate shed. These vessels suggest that the Nagas may have come from Sumatra. The basement of the museum houses birds and animals of northeastern hill states, espeacially those endemic to the region.

The Dzukou Valley-

The Dzukou Valley is tucked away at 2438 metres above sea level, behind the Japfu range in the north eastern state of Nagaland in India. As the month of June & September arrives, the entire valley is covered with a carpet of wild flowers. The Dzukou Valley is one of the most ideal place for peace and nature lovers. The D zukou Valley is just 30 km from Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. The swirling streams that loiters through Dzukou freezes during extreme winter.

The Flora of Dzukou Valley-

Untouched by civilisation and splendiferous in its beauty, this valley otherwise called the valley of celestial charm has an tempting appeal to all who gaze it. In summer, wild herbs and shrubs sprout along the stream banks. Lilies in white and pink, euphorbias, aconitums and hundreds of other botanical species in varied colours adorn the valley in monsoon.

Though Dzukou is known for its bio-diversity, the predominant plant is the tough bamboo brush because of which it looks like a justly mown lawn from far away. Rhododendrons of different colours beatify the hills abounding the valley.

Dzukou Valley-

This is one of the best trekking spots in the North-Eastern Region. The valley is surrounded by hills, natural caves & rocks and is thus, ideal for camping. Inspite of the difficult terrain and non-availability of facilities, this is one of the most frequented trekking spots in the entire North East India. Its emerald green rolling hills interlinked by gentle flowing streams are trekker's fancy. A few tourist rest houses are constructed for trekkers.

Kohima Village-

The capital of Nagaland houses the village of the Nagas. The village with a ceremonial gateway mirrors typical tribal architecture and handicrafts in its houses. The splendid gateway is adorned with motifs of weapons, warriors and folk prosperity-symbols.

World War II Cemetery-

During the World War II, the combined troop of the British and the Indians stopped the Japanese troop in Kohima. The martyrs lie buried here. Amid the manicured lawn two tall crosses stand. A touching inscription in one of them reads: "When you go home, tell them of us and say For your tomorrow, we gave our today".

Shangnyu Village-

An 8ft high and 12ft wide wooden monument stands in the village, which is believed to have been constructed by heavenly angels. The village is ruled by Angh (hereditary chief) and there are other memorial stones in front of the Angh's palace.

Japfu Peak-

The second highest peak in the state boasts of the tallest Rhododendron. Measuring over 130 ft. in height and the girth at the base of around 11 ft. it is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records. It offers breathtaking view of Himalayan peaks beyond and sprawling Kohima town.

LANGUAGE

Nagamese

Assamese

Nagamese

FESTIVALS

Dimapur houses the Rangapahar Reserve forest (20.20 hectares) in its vicinity.It is home to many animals and birds which make this reserve a nature lover's haven. It is very emphatically asserted that the people of Nagaland are very vibrant earthly people for whom life itself is a celebration. Life in the state of Nagaland revolves around fairs and festival. The prime occupation in Nagaland is agriculture and hence most of the festival of the state revolves around the agriculture. The festive celebration of Nagas is marked with rare gusto which in turn amazes the on-lookers with awe and admiration. Nagaland is also famous for its scenic beauty. Most of the people live on hill tops overlooking the streams. Enjoying the bliss of nature, the Nagas celebrate all their festivals with equal enthusiasm. While celebrating the festivals, the Nagas offer prayers to the Supreme Being which has different names in different dialects. The festivities are marked with sacrifices and are mostly celebrated either before the sowing season or on the eve of the harvest season. Its ethnic tribal culture is known the world over for its celebrations. Different tribes have different fairs and festivals which they celebrate with great joy and enthusiasm. Dance, music and other cultural activities are always a part of the celebrations which shows the Nagas love for life.

Angami-

Sekrenyi is celebrated in the month of February and falls on the 25th day of the Angami month of Kezei. It is a 10-day long festival and the Angamis also call it Phousanyi. Number of rituals and ceremonies are associated with Sekrenyi. The first ritual is “Kizie” followed by “Dsuseva” or touching the sleeping water. The most interesting part of the festival is known as the Thekra Hie where young men and women sing traditional songs throughout the day.

Chang-

The Changs observe six festivals in a year. They are Poang Lem, Jeinyu Lem, Kundang Lem, Muong Lem, Naknyu Lem and Monyu Lem. While the first three are monitored by the Haongang Clan, the last three are observed by the Ung Clan. Kundang Lem which is the youngest festival and is fixed five days ahead is observed in the eighth month of the Chang calendar while Naknyu Lem is fixed just two days ahead and celebrated in July.

Khiamniugan-

Khiamniugans celebrate Miu which is held in the first week of May every year. It is a festival to forgive and forget. During this festival, the maternal uncle builds a friendly relation with his sister’s children. The Changs offer a thanksgiving prayer to the Almighty during Tsokum which is observed during the first week of October.

Hornbill Festival-

This is the best festival of Nagaland as it involves the participation of all the 16 tribes of the state. It is celebrated in the first week of December at Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. This festival was initiated by the Government of Nagaland with an aim to protect and preserve the rich heritage of the state. The festival is a heady cocktail of dance, music, parade, games, sports, and food fairs and religious ceremony.

Moatsu Festival-

This is a three days long festival celebrated by the Ao tribe of Nagaland. It is celebrated during the first week of May at Mokokchung after the hard labour at fields. This recreational festival is full of several cultural activities.

Nazu Festival-

Colourful and vibrant such is the Nazu festival of the Pochury tribe of Nagaland. High on entertainment, this festival is celebrated before sowing the seeds in the month of February. It stretches for ten days and is held at Phek in Nagaland.

Sekrenyi Festival

This festival belongs to the Angami tribe and is celebrated in February for ten days. This ritualistic festival is also known as the Phousnyi festival. Several rituals are performed during the festival.

Yemshe Festival-

Celebrated by the Pochuri tribe, this festival is full of hope of a good harvest after a year of hard work. The entire village is cleaned during the festival. It is held at Kohima in October.

Ahuna-

AHUNA is a traditional post – harvest festival of the Sumis. Ahuna signifies the celebration of the season’s harvest in thanksgiving, while invoking the spirits for good fortune in the New Year. On this occasion, the entire community prepares, and feasts on the first meal of rice – drawn from the season’s harvest – cooked in bamboo segments. The receptacles for cooking or serving on this occasion, are freshly made, carved or cut, from indigenously available resources – prolific and abundant in the countryside.

Tuluni-

Tuluni is a festival of great significance. This festival is marked with feast as the occasion occurs in the bountiful season of the year. Drinking rice – beer indispensably forms a part of the feast. Rice – beer is served in goblet made with the leaf of plantain. This wine is called TULUNI. Therefore, consumption of the wine is called “TULUNI”. Tuluni is also called “ANNI” the word of which denotes the season of plentiful crops. This mid – year (JULY) festival is the greatest and most fervent moment for the Sumi Community of Nagaland. During this festival, the betrothed exchange basketful of gifts with meals. The fiancé is invited to a grand dinner at the fiancé's residence. Even siblings of the families of both the bride and groom exchange dinner and packed food and meat.

IMPORTANT PLACE